Phoenix Sky Harbor airport dedicates new solar system

The 5.4-megawatt system will reduce energy expenses by nearly $5 million over 20 years.

The Valley of the Sun, Phoenix, Arizona, hosted a dedication ceremony for a new solar system array at the airport. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport teamed up with SunPower to install a 5.4-megawatt solar system that will provide more than half of the required energy needs of the three facilities receiving rooftop systems.

Over the course of the next 20 years, the new solar array is expected to reduce the airport’s energy expenses by $4.7 million. Carbon dioxide reductions will amount to an estimated 5,500 tons annually, or the equivalent of removing nearly 20,000 cars from the road for two decades.

"With this SunPower system, Sky Harbor Airport is reinforcing its commitment to energy conservation and improving air quality in Arizona, while saving airport funds," said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. "Councilman Bill Gates has been championing this effort at the city and it's exciting to see it come to fruition." Source: SunPower

Although the official dedication was held today, the project was completed over a two-month period in late 2011. Highly efficient SunPower E20 solar panels were installed on the roof of the Rental Car Center as well as the two East Economy Garages at Phoenix Sky Harbor.